The men's short track speed skating team is tired of practicing, and they're anxious to start real competition at the Winter Games in Vancouver.
The team hasn't competed in an official event in close to 11 weeks.
Olivier Jean, who will compete in the 500m and 1,500m relays, says nothing replaces the real thing.
"We're on the ice every day, we're training every day but it's not the same thing (as) racing," he told CTV's Andre Corbeil.
"I'm really excited with the Games coming up and I can't wait to step on the ice."
Olympic Rookies
Three of the five team members are competing in their first Olympics, but with expectations of a record Team Canada medal haul, they say they've worked too hard to simply be satisfied with the Olympic experience.
1,500m relay racer Guillaume Bastille wants to improve on his World Cup performance this season, which has seen him snag two medals.
"I'm expecting a medal," he said. "I'm going there to get one."
Three-time olympic medalist Francois-Louis Tremblay, who is coaching and competing in Vancouver, says experience has taught him not to get too stressed out.
"It's easier to skate now," he said. "I have a lot less worries … I know how it is there and I know what I can do.
"A lot of things are a lot more enjoyable and that's why it's really fun right now."
Rally Beards
The men started growing beards more than a month ago to promote team spirit, just as the Montreal Canadiens did during last year's playoffs.
The skaters hope to do better than the Habs, and they'll hit the ice quickly.
The men's relay is set to take place on day two of the Games.
